Hiring managers often look at dozens of resumes to fill just one position, and the words you use can help set you apart. Below, we cover why resume action words are essential and provide examples of words to use in each resume section.
Why Action Verbs Are Essential for a Standout Resume
Having the right language in your resume can increase your chances of getting a job. The best keywords for your resume depend on the industry and the role you’re seeking. This guide explains how applicant tracking systems (ATS) software keywords work and provides examples of what keywords to use in your resume.
Why Resume Keywords are Essential for Job Applications
Around 75% of recruiters use an ATS to help them process and sort resumes. And relevant keywords are one of the most important things these systems look for. The more keywords and phrases you include in your resume that match what the hiring manager set up as a high priority in the ATS, the greater your chances of getting an interview.
Having industry-relevant keywords can reinforce your suitability for the role by showing that your qualifications match the job requirements. The keywords for resume scanners vary depending on the industry and position, but you can get an idea of what the hiring managers used for keywords for the ATS by looking at the job description.
Types of Keywords To Use on Your Resume
1. Hard skills and technical skills
ATS keywords specific to the industry, hard and technical skills are testable qualifications in which you can demonstrate proficiency through a skills test or certifications. A software developer may list Python or another programming language, while keywords for ATS for project managers may include Jira or data analysis.
2. Soft skills
These are competencies that relate to how you manage your day-to-day work or relate to colleagues. Common resume keywords for soft skills include “communication,” “collaboration,” and “leadership.” When integrating these ATS software keywords, avoid overloading them. These terms are often vague and can make your resume appear less relevant if there are too many.
3. Industry-specific keywords
Keywords to use in a resume include industry-specific terms. For example, a common ATS software keyword for marketing is “search engine optimization (SEO),” while finance positions may target “financial analysis.” Having industry-relevant language on your resume increases the chances it will pass through the ATS scanners and get a human review.
4. Action verbs and power words
Integrate strong action verbs and keywords for the ATS to add depth to your description. Words like “achieved,” “developed,” and “coordinated” show the real impact of your duties and are more engaging for the hiring manager.
How To Find the Best Keywords for Your Resume
Analyze job descriptions
While knowing the exact keywords for resume scanners is impossible, reviewing several job descriptions for similar industries or roles can help you identify recurring words and phrases. Specifically, look for hard and soft skills as well as any certifications that are frequently mentioned. These are likely to be part of the ATS software keywords.
Use industry-specific sources and job sites
Keywords for ATS often include industry-specific words; you can find these on sources like LinkedIn job postings and thought-leadership sites. For example, if you’re applying for a human resources position, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a good place to look.
Utilize applicant tracking system-friendly tools
Keyword scanning tools can help you identify high-ranking ATS keywords for your industry or position. Including as many of these keywords for ATS as possible can increase your resume’s relevance.
Tips for Integrating Resume Keywords Naturally
- Use ATS keywords in key resume sections: Include appropriate keywords in the work experience and resume summary sections. Technical keywords work well in the skills list.
- Quantify achievements using keywords: Even the best keywords for a resume aren’t enough. Pair keywords with metrics to quantify your results and accomplishments.
- Avoid overloading keywords: Adding too many keywords for resume scanners can lead to keyword stuffing, making your resume seem forced or templated. Have a trusted friend or mentor read your resume to ensure it sounds natural and flows well.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using Resume Keywords
- Using irrelevant or outdated terms: Ensure any ATS software keywords you use are relevant to the job and current industry standards. The best keywords for a resume highlight your background and achievements and reflect what hiring managers are looking for in today’s job market.
- Overusing jargon: Using too much industry jargon can make your resume difficult for a hiring manager in another industry to understand what you did in your role. For a balanced approach, use a mix of industry-specific terms and more general keywords for resume scanners.
- Ignoring soft skills or transferable skills: While highlighting your technical proficiencies is always positive, don’t neglect your soft skills. These matter to hiring managers looking for a good culture fit, and they will likely have set the ATS keywords to account for this.
Resume Examples With Keywords
Summary
Experienced marketing manager with over 5 years of expertise in digital marketing strategy, SEO, and data analysis. Skilled in driving brand awareness, generating leads, and managing cross-functional teams. Adept at optimizing PPC campaigns and leveraging social media to engage target audiences. Passionate about fostering customer relationships and implementing high-impact marketing campaigns. Looking to contribute strategic leadership and industry expertise to a dynamic marketing team.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Campaigns
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Brand Management
- Content Marketing & Strategy
- Lead Generation
- Google Analytics & Google Ads
- Social Media Marketing (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Project Management (Jira, Trello)
- Team Collaboration & Leadership
- Marketing Automation (HubSpot, Mailchimp)
Marketing Manager
ABC Corporation | June 2020 – Present
- Spearheaded digital marketing campaigns that boosted website traffic by 30% and increased lead generation by 25%, using SEO and content marketing strategies.
- Optimized PPC campaigns on Google Ads, reducing ad spend by 15% while increasing click-through rates by 20%.
- Managed cross-functional teams to develop and implement a comprehensive content marketing strategy that contributed to a 15% increase in brand engagement across social media platforms.
- Analyzed campaign performance data to generate insights that informed future marketing strategies, achieving a 10% improvement in ROI.
- Collaborated with the sales team to align marketing efforts with sales goals, increasing lead conversions by 18%.
Digital Marketing Specialist
XYZ Agency | March 2017 – May 2020
- Developed and executed SEO strategies, increasing organic traffic by 50% year-over-year.
- Implemented email marketing campaigns, improving open rates by 15% and boosting conversions by 10%.
- Engineered automated social media posting systems, saving 10 hours per week in content management.
- Mentored junior marketers on best practices for SEO, email marketing, and analytics tools.
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of XYZ | Graduated May 2016
Summary
Detail-oriented software developer with 4+ years of experience in designing, developing, and maintaining web applications. Proficient in Python, Java, and SQL, with a focus on building scalable and high-performance systems. Experienced in Agile methodologies, RESTful API development, and database optimization. Seeking to contribute technical expertise and problem-solving skills to a collaborative software development team at a growing tech company.
- Python, Java, SQL Programming
- Web Application Development
- RESTful API Development
- Agile Methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
- Database Optimization & Management (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
- Automated Testing (Selenium, JUnit)
- Code Review & Debugging
- Version Control (Git, GitHub)
- Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking
- Team Collaboration & Communication
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure)
Software Developer
Tech Solutions Inc. | May 2021 – Present
- Engineered a new feature for a customer-facing application that improved user satisfaction by 20% within 6 months of deployment.
- Streamlined the backend codebase, reducing server response time by 25% and enhancing application performance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams including product managers and designers to develop a web application that now supports over 10,000 active users.
- Revamped the security framework of the login system, increasing system security by 40% using OAuth2 authentication.
- Led weekly code reviews to ensure high-quality coding practices and mentored junior developers in best practices for coding and debugging.
Junior Software Developer
Innovatech Solutions | July 2018 – April 2021
- Developed and maintained multiple RESTful APIs, supporting data integration between client applications and third-party services.
- Monitored and optimized database performance, reducing query times by 30% and improving overall system efficiency.
- Implemented automated testing solutions using Selenium, reducing testing time by 40%.
- Created detailed technical documentation for software systems to facilitate team collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of ABC | Graduated May 2018
Key Points and Keyword Integration
- Hard skills: Both resumes effectively include technical skills such as SEO, PPC, Python, Java, and RESTful APIs, which are essential for the roles and relevant to ATS scans.
- Soft skills: Soft skills like collaboration, communication, and leadership are integrated naturally into both resumes. They help demonstrate the candidate’s ability to work effectively in teams and lead initiatives.
- Industry-specific keywords: Keywords like SEO, PPC, Agile methodologies, and cloud computing are used in alignment with the specific industry and position, which is essential for ATS optimization.
- Action verbs: Both examples use strong action verbs like spearheaded, engineered, optimized, and developed to describe accomplishments, emphasizing the candidate’s impact in previous roles.
- Quantifiable results: The resumes include specific metrics (e.g., increased traffic by 30%, improved user satisfaction by 20%) to make the accomplishments more measurable and demonstrate the candidates’ impact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keywords to Use in a Resume
How often should I update keywords on my resume?-
Recruiters and hiring managers set keywords for resume scanners for each position. This means you need to update your resume, including what keywords you use, for each new job or industry.
What tools can help me find keywords?+
Tools that scan for ATS keywords and help you understand how these systems may read your resume can help you optimize your document. Both Jobscan and LinkedIn's Job Match insights offer these options.
How many keywords should I use in a resume per section?+
There are only so many keywords for a resume. Include as many as possible, as long as they are specific and relevant, and the content is still easy and natural to read.
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